About Acupuncture

Janice's Office

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a healing art based on the laws of nature. It is one of
the oldest systems of health care in the world, originating in China over
5,000 years ago. During treatment, very fine metal needles are inserted
into specific acupuncture points located just under the surface of the
skin. These points are used traditionally to restore balance and harmony
to the individual and thus promote healing. Traditional acupuncture takes
into account the complexity of each person in body, mind and spirit - that
is, as a total, unified being. It is based on Chinese ideas about the
order and harmony of the Universe as a whole - the Tao - and the balance
of the Five Elements in each person. When we are well, we are in balance
inside of us and in relation to the world outside of us. This, according
the Chinese, is health. Acupuncture was traditionally used as preventative
medicine to correct small imbalances before they became more serious and
resulted in pain and dysfunction. Today, we use it both preventatively and
curatively for many chronic and functional disorders.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

At the core of this ancient medicine is the concept of Qi (pronounced
“chee”), or the Life Energy, which flows throughout the body in specific
pathways called meridians. This Qi animates the body and protects it from
illness, providing the energy for all of the internal organs to do their
work. A persons health is determined by the quality, quantity and balance
of Qi. Meridian pathways flow like rivers inside the body, and each is
connected to a specific organ or gland and represents one of the Five
Elements. There are 14 major meridians, and each one brings life-giving Qi
as nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.
Any obstruction in the flow of Qi is like a dam on the river - when the Qi
becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow is restricted in other
parts. This blockage in the flow of Qi can cut off vital nourishment to
parts of the body and prevent waste products from being carried away from
others. This disruption in the flow of Qi is the basis for all disease and
dysfunction.

How is Qi Disrupted?

Many things can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi, among
them:

physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion,
seasonal changes, poor diet, and accidents. Normally, the body bounces
back easily when a blockage occurs, returning to a state of health and
well-being. Occasionally, however, this disruption is prolonged or
excessive, and illness, pain or disease can set in. When this happens,
acupuncture can help to restore the flow of Qi in the meridians by using
needles in acupuncture points to unblock the obstruction and balance the
Qi.

What does an acupuncturist do?

During the initial session, a full health history is taken. The
acupuncturist asks questions about your past illnesses, current symptoms
and lifestyle. as well as questions about your work, relationships and
goals. A physical exam according to Chinese diagnostic principles is
conducted, including diagnosis of your pulses and tongue.

This information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and
detect the specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a
person’s health problems. The practitioner can then create a comprehensive
treatment plan.

Once the imbalances of Qi are diagnosed, the practitioner places fine,
sterile needles at specific acupoints along one or more of the meridian
pathways, which the acupuncturist has determined are the meridians with
the primary imbalance. This safe and relatively painless insertion of the
needles can unblock the obstruction and balance the qi, so that it can
freely circulate again throughout the body. This can eliminate pain and
restore balance and harmony, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself.
Sometimes the acupuncturist will also add other Chinese treatment
techniques like moxibustion, herbs, or gua sha to the acupuncture
treatment

Why does an acupuncturist take pulses?

The Chinese believe that you have 12 pulse positions on each wrist, felt
along the radial artery. Each position is connected to a specific meridian
and organ of the body, and the volume and quality of each pulse will
reflect the health of each organ. If there are problems, they may be
detected on the pulses.

Why does an acupuncturist want to look at my tongue?

The tongue reflects the general health of the body, and indicates
problems in specific organs and meridians. The acupuncturist will look at
the color, shape, coating and any cracks on the tongue to determine where
the problems are; for example, the tip of the tongue is related to the
heart, the sides of the tongue to the liver and gall bladder, and the
center of the tongue to the digestive organs.

Do the needles hurt?

Some people feel a sharp sensation as the needles are inserted, but once
the needles are in place, there is no pain. The needles are tiny, about
the thickness of a human hair, so many people feel only a tiny prick at
first, and then nothing.

How deep are the needles inserted?

This varies depending on the point; for example, the acupuncturist may
insert the needles deeper in fleshier areas of the body, such as the
thighs or buttocks. Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging from
1/8” to 1/2”.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is the traditional use of an herb called mugwort which is
burned on the handle of the needle or above the skin. This is used to
“warm” the acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing
process.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a technique to release muscle tension, tightness and
constriction. A medicated oil is rubbed into the skin, and then a
specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over the problem
area. This technique is not painful but may leave some slight redness that
will quickly dissipate. The result feels a bit like a deep massage and can
relieve pain and tension in the muscles.

Why would herbs be added to the acupuncture treatment?

Herbs can be a powerful addition to acupuncture care. They can
strengthen, build and support the body between treatments, and can clear
the body of excess problems like a cold or fever or inflammatory pain.
They can amplify the acupuncture treatments, and speed the healing
process.

What should I expect during an acupuncture treatment?

You may feel a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or a slight ache where
the acupuncture needles have been inserted. Some people experience a
sensation of energy spreading or moving around the needle - this is called
the “Qi sensation” and is a good sign that the treatment is working. Most
of the time, the treatments will make you feel a deep sense of relaxation
and well-being.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy,
with no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. There
is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are
sterile, used once, and then discarded.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some people feel
immediate results, but others may take months to achieve results. Chronic
conditions, or conditions that have been experienced for a long time, will
take longer to resolve that acute ones. The usual course is to do a
minimum of four treatments and then evaluate. The frequency of treatment
depends on the severity of the problem and strength of your constitution.
An acupuncturist might suggest one or two treatments a week to start,
tapering off to once a month or seasonal “tune-ups” for health
maintenance.

How much does it cost?

Initial consultations are a two-hour appointment and cost $100.00. All
follow-up treatments are approximately one hour and are $80.00.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?

Many insurance plans do not cover acupuncture, or only cover it for
acupuncturists who are listed on their Provider List. I am currently not
listed with any insurance companies. Some patients have been successful
being reimbursed through insurance for specific things like car accidents
or work-related injuries, or through small, private insurers. Contact your
insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and
the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a
wide variety of medical problems. Here is a list of some of the health
concerns that acupuncture has been effective in treating: